Dear Notre Dame Community,
We are pleased to share we only had two positive COVID-19 cases last week, which is especially encouraging considering so many of us traveled over Spring Break. Given the positive trends on our campus as well as locally, we write to share the following updates regarding the masking and travel policies and testing requirement.
Effective today, March 21:
Masks are now optional on campus for all students, faculty, staff and visitors, including at indoor events. The following exceptions remain in place:
- Masks are required in any instructional or research space—classrooms, offices, labs or studios—where the faculty member or instructor requires masking
- Masks continue to be required for all who visit the University Testing Center, University Health Services and the Notre Dame Wellness Center.
- Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to mask for five days following their isolation period.
Surveillance testing will no longer be required for any member of our community, including those who received an exemption from the vaccination and booster requirements. The testing center will remain open for diagnostic testing, for those who previously signed up for opt-in surveillance testing and for those with exemptions who would like to continue with surveillance testing.
University-sponsored domestic travel will no longer need to be approved in advance by a vice president or dean. However, we do ask that University-related international travel continue to be approved in advance by a vice president or dean.
We are grateful for the downturn in COVID-19 cases, but please know we continue to consult with public health officials and monitor the landscape. Thank you for your continued compassion, collaboration and resilience.
In Notre Dame,
Chris Maziar, Interim Provost
Shannon Cullinan, Executive Vice President
Fr. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C., Vice President for Student Affairs